How to use thumb drive with ipad

Does anybody know how to transfer files from iPad to flash drive? I want to make a copy of the important data I have stored on my iPad Pro.

- Question from Apple Forums

Can You Transfer Files from iPad to Flash Drive?

Want to transfer files from iPad to flash drive? Maybe you want to make a backup of your important data, or you want to share some files with others. However, iOS is a closed system, which makes data transfer not that easy.

But things have changed since iPadOS 13. For iPad running on OS13 and later, there’s a Files app that helps users transfer files between iPad and USB flash drive. You can first save files to Files app and then copy files from Files app to USB flash drive.

Own an old iPad? Don’t worry, there’s one third-party transfer tool that can help you transfer files from iPad to flash drive without effort.

How to Transfer Files from iPad to Flash Drive?

● If your iPad is running on iPadOS 13 and later, you can transfer files from iPad to flash drive via Files app.
● If you owe an old iPad or just don’t want to use Files app, you can let FoneTool help you make it.

Way 1. Transfer Data from iPad to Flash Drive via Files App

It lets you copy files from your iCloud Drive, Dropbox, a connected SMB server, or any app you add to the “Locations” section. Here we take transferring photos from iPad to flash drive as an example.

1. Connect your USB flash drive to your iPad.

• If you have a 2018 (or later) iPad Pro and have a USB-C flash drive, just plug in the flash drive to iPad.

• If it is another model of iPad, you should use a Lightning to USB adapter to connect any USB flash drive.

2. Go to Photos app > Choose the pictures you want to transfer > Click Share button > Tap Save to Files.

3. Tap your flash drive > Choose a folder to save your pictures > Tap Save.

Way 2. Transfer Files from iPad to Flash Drive via FoneTool

FoneTool is one professional iOS data backup & transfer tool that helps users transfer files between iDevice and computer/flash drive/external hard drive, between two iDevices.

★ This tool can help you transfer photos, videos, songs, contacts, and messages from iPad to flash drive directly. It will transfer the file in the original size without compression.

See how to use this tool to transfer photos from iPad to flash drive:

Download, install and launch FoneTool. It supports all iPad models including the latest 12-inch iPad Pro (6th generation), 11-inch iPad Pro (4th generation).

1. Launch FoneTool > Connect iPad to flash drive via USB cable > Enter passcode on iPad.

2. Click Phone Transfer > Get to iPhone to PC option and click Start Transfer.

3. Click the “+” icon > Choose the pictures you want to transfer > Click OK to continue.

4. Choose your flash drive as the destination on Transfer Settings > Click Start Transfer to start.

Conclusion

That’s all for how to transfer files from iPad to flash drive. For iPad running on iPadOS13 and later, you can simply plug in your flash drive and transfer files with the help of Files app. For other iPads, you can rely on FoneTool to help you make it.

Sometimes we run out of space on our Apple devices. External storage for iPads and iPhones can be tricky to use, so we are going to walk you through using a USB (also called a flash drive or thumb drive) with both an iPhone and an iPad. This will help you easily transfer things like photos to an external storage device or external hard drive. Moving certain items to external storage will free up space for you to keep taking photos and utilizing your device to its fullest potential. Let’s look at how to use a USB drive with an iPhone or iPad.

Related: Photo Management Guide: How to Organize, Share & Store Your iPhone Photos

What's in This Article

• How to Use a USB Drive with an iPhone
• Tips for Using a USB Drive with an iPad
• How to Use a USB Drive with an iPad: Lightning Cable Port
• How to Use a USB Drive with an iPad: USB-C Cable Port 

How to Use a USB with an iPhone

The easiest way to use a USB drive with an iPhone is to use a device designed for this purpose, such as a USB drive with a Lightning cable adapter attached. This device plugs directly into an iPhone with no extra devices. It's a small, portable, and efficient method to expand your storage space by moving items from your iPhone into external storage so that you can free up space on your iPhone.

Most USB drives for iPhones have their own apps. No two apps are identical so we can’t walk you through each individual process, but we can give you an idea of how this will typically work. Here's a step-by-step explanation for using a USB drive with your iPhone:

1. First, download the app that accompanies your USB flash drive. When plugging the flash drive into your iPhone, it may prompt you to download the accompanying app on its own, but if it doesn’t, you can download it from the App Store by searching the device's name or following the instructions included in the device’s packaging. 
2. If you haven’t already, plug your flash drive into your iPhone. 
3. A message will appear on your iPhone screen. Make sure to tap Allow on that message.
4. You will be directed to go to the app associated with your flash drive. On that screen, you will likely see information like how much storage is available on your phone and how much is available on the USB. You will also see transfer options. Each USB drive and app will look a little different.
5. The instructions included with your USB flash drive will be the most useful. We suggest following those instructions about what to do next. 
6. The app will likely ask you if you’d like to delete photos or files you’ve just transported from your phone to the drive. If you are trying to clear up storage on your phone, you will want to delete the items you have just transferred. Otherwise, feel free to choose as you see fit! 

Tips for Using a USB Drive with an iPad

Using a USB drive with an iPad is slightly more complicated. Newer iPads allow you to connect an adapter in order to use a USB drive. However, some USB drives require more power than an iPad can offer. Before purchasing a USB drive, ensure that it is compatible with an iPad.

Your iPad allows you to transfer photos from your USB drive to the iPad, but you won’t be able to add any other types of files. You can also transfer photos from your iPad to your desktop, or keep them on the USB flash drive in order to utilize external storage for your iPhone. 

iPads have a couple of different ports, which means you will need to know which port your iPad has before deciding which method will work for you. The iPad Pro has a USB-C port. All other iPad generations have a Lightning port. Need to check which iPad you have? Check out our iPad identification article to help you narrow it down. 

How to Use a USB Drive with an iPad: Lightning Cable Port

Option 1: You can follow the instructions used for the iPhone, and use a special USB made for a Lightning port

Option 2: You can purchase a cable that is Lightning to USB. This type of adapter plugs into your iPad on one end and a USB (flash drive) on the other end. When plugging in your USB flash drive for the first time, you will likely be prompted to follow the instructions to download an app and allow access similar to the steps for an iPhone. 

How to Use a USB Drive with an iPad: USB-C Cable Port

You can use a USB-A to USB-C cable to connect your flash drive to your iPad. A USB-A is the technical name for a flash drive. A USB-C cable is the technical name of the port on many Mac computers and the iPad Pro. 

1. Connect the adapter to your iPad and plug in the USB-A to the other end of the adapter. 
2. Follow the prompts to move files from your iPad to your flash drive.
3. Your flash drive will come with instructions. Each flash drive is slightly different. For a general guide to how to use your flash drive, follow the instructions to use a flash drive with your iPhone.

Now that you know how to use a USB flash drive with your device, you can remove photos and files from your iPhone or iPad in order to create more storage. This will help your device function more optimally, and will free up space for you to keep taking pictures!

Top image credit: Vilgun / Shutterstock.com

Can you connect a thumb drive to an iPad?

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